Laboratory Test Methods for Children's Release Bindings with Special Reference to the Inadequacies of the Present Industry Norms and the Knowledge of Injury Thresholds

Assessing release functions of children's alpine ski bindings is rendered difficult by several factors. Some of these difficulties stem from the imperfections of the presently adopted industry norms. Although the present German Industrial Standard (DIN) Winter Sports Equipment—Release Binding for Alpine Downhill Skiing for Children (DIN 7881 3-5) should certainly be recognized as being far better than no norm at all, it does leave much to be desired. The International Workshop on Skiing Safety (IAS) specification 100 would, if implemented, probably call for new designs in the realm of children's equipment. Aside from this, release functions as presently defined are all too easily inhibited by maladjustments. The present situation in Scandinavia, where surveys of children's gear show toe lug adjustment to be seriously faulty as a rule of thumb, certainly calls for some kind of remedy. The most basic research problems, however, are equally unsolved. Knowledge of injury thresholds and modes for children is lacking. We do not have the evidence on which to base a reviewed setting recommendation, not to mention a guideline for release modes.